Rival Waves deliver a striking critique of today’s digital chaos with their latest track New Fear. Blending sharp commentary with high-energy instrumentation, the song captures the tension of living in a world overwhelmed by noise, distraction, and disconnection.
Rival Waves – New Fear
Based in Austin, Texas, Rival Waves is an alternative rock band known for their explosive sound, socially aware lyrics, and unapologetically independent approach. The lineup features Marc Schulz and Eric Salinas on guitar, David McLeod on bass, and Joel De La Garza handling both drums and vocals.
Rival Waves draw from a wide range of influences, shifting seamlessly between alt-rock, grunge revival, punk, and modern rock. Their sound has earned comparisons to major acts like Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Muse, Royal Blood, and Pearl Jam. After years of refining their approach, the band has seen their efforts connect, with tracks like Time’s Up and Slant each surpassing 100,000 streams, highlighting the strength of their songwriting and sound.
With their focus set on what’s next, Rival Waves return with New Fear, a track that examines what they describe as an “attention-fractured age”, a time defined by digital overload and the mental toll it takes on everyday life.
“It’s about recognizing how numb we’ve become in the face of the non-stop noise. We wanted to write something that both reflects that feeling and challenges it. Something that says, ‘It’s not too late to remember what it means to feel something authentic, ” – said Joel De La Garza about the inspiration for the song.
To bring that message to life, Rival Waves lean into tightly honed musicianship, charging guitars, thunderous drums, and Joel De La Garza’s gritty vocals, all delivered with a raw intensity that hits like a jolt to the senses.
“With its rapid, exhilarating pace, New Fear captures the raw energy of classic alternative rock, while injecting enough freshness to make it feel both contemporary and timeless.”
Whether you’re a fan of iconic ’90s acts or follow the latest trends in mainstream alternative, Rival Waves offers something for everyone. Their modern sound, with nods to classic rock, makes them a perfect pick for anyone craving powerful, message-driven rock.
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Words Javier Rodriguez
